Former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, a vocal advocate for the Philippines’ claim over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), has accepted President Rodrigo Duterte’s challenge to debate on the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in The Hague.
According to sources close to Justice Carpio, he is more than willing to engage in a public discussion with the President on the WPS issue, bringing forth the nuances and complexities of the PCA decision that favorably ruled in the Philippines’ favor against China’s claims.
Carpio has long been an ardent proponent for upholding the country’s sovereignty over its maritime territories, emphasizing the significance of the PCA ruling as a landmark victory for the Philippines’ territorial integrity.